Video - BMW teases the production i3, global unveiling on July 29

02/07/2013 - 16:05 | ,   | Anjan Ravi

The production version of the BMW i3 will have its global unveiling on July 29. BMW has already sent us a video teasing the electric car.

[Head to YouTube if you're unable to view the above video.]

The i3 will debut the i range of BMW cars. The BMW i8, which is expected to combine a bit of sportscar performance with electric drive, will be the model to follow the i3.

The i3, though a radical looking car, is actually a four-door hatchback. The rear doors of the i3 can only be opened after opening the front one's (kind of like the Mazda RX-8). It will be marketed as a city commuter mainly.

An electric motor rated at 170bhp of power and 250Nm of torque powers the car. This enables the i3 to hit 100km/h from rest in 8 seconds. The top-speed though (typical of any electric car) is a 150km/h.

BMW i3 teaser screen capture

The i3 will be available in two versions. The base version will have a range of 130-160km on a full charge. This version is expected to cost about 40,000 euros (INR 30 lakhs). The high-end version will have a range extender fitted to it in the form of a small displacement 2 cylinder 650cc engine from BMW Motorrad. With the range extender, the i3 will run for about 300km before needing a recharge.

BMW is expected to commence bookings of the i3 by the end of this year.

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